Can someone give me a definitive guide to the order in which you put stuff on your face please?

[Hassled]

So I always thought serum, then moisturiser, then foundation. I once bought some primer but haven't really used it because 4 layers of stuff on my face seems insane, and I don't know where it comes in the face-slap order. And then I was given some toner - where does that come in?

Now Sali Hughes here has baffled the hell out of me - whatever she's reviewing seems to be both a serum and a primer but she's putting it over her moisturiser.

Also - concealer first, then foundation? Or the other way round? I'm talking eye-bag concealer here.

Is there an ultimate guide out there somewhere?

For me it goes cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise, primer, foundation, concealer. Except I don't tone, use serum or concealer. But if I did, that'd be the order I'd do it in

I need to know this too.

I know you go:

Cleanse (get off dirt, grime and make-up)

Tone (to close up your pores so the greasy moisturiser and make-up doesn't block them)

Moisturise (or night cream)

But what about the rest?

I do serum before moisturiser, and primer after. Then concealer after primer, then foundation.

But sometimes I buy a different face-slap thing, like Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, or Estee Lauder Idealist Skin Illuminator, and I have no fecking idea when I should be applying it, and after what.

Thank you - that order makes sense. I wonder how many women actually do use all of those at once? I'd be there half the morning.

I find this helpful

Holly - I decided the Clarin's Flash balm thing was serum. although that wasn't really based on anything.

Oh I like that guide thing - thanks.

I do
Cleanse
Tone
Moisturise
Serum

You forgot powder. I know that goes on last.

Seriously, it is just too confusing isn't it.

God no powder it's so old lady

Cleanse, exfoliating toner, hydrating toner
Serum then moisturiser. Primer is last step before makeup
Concealer after foundation, otherwise you wipe off all your work!

Cleanse
Cold water - no toner here
Serum
Moisturiser
Primer
Concealer
Foundation

I thought 'twas skincare,inc make up it goes

Cleanse
Tone
Moisturise
Serum
Foundation
Cream blush
Eyeshadow
Eyeliner
Mascara
Lippy

Blimey if you followed that guide it would be time for bed before you'd even left the house.

And I can't do powder - it sits in my wrinkles and makes me look ten years older.

i use beauty flash balm as a primer...

serum AFTER moisturiser. Concealer AFTER foundation.

Just to confuse/add to the debate

So do any of us actually know what we are talking about? Because if not, we are just confusing one another more.

Please tell me you're all joking!
Cold water
Moisturiser, sunscreen, foundation - I put them all on together.
The end.

I think the serum/moisturiser debate came about as depending what ingredients it had. The REN serum I use says on it "apply before your moisturiser"
I guess if your serum has silicones, there's no point putting it on before moisturiser as the moisturiser won't sink in. But a natural oil type serum would be best before moisturiser

serum AFTER moisturiser. Concealer AFTER foundation.

No! Serum needs to work on your skin so before moisturiser and concealer before foundation so it all blends together properly!

This is what I do....

Cleanse&tone in one
Moisturiser
Primer
Concealer
Foundation
Concealer again!
Powder
Bronzer
Blusher
Highlighter
Eyebrow pencil
Eyeliner (if doing full make up)
Mascara
Lipliner & lipstick (if full make up)

Takes me about 15 mins

Scottish mummy if you have a long shiny nose like mine it needs powder! Not 'old lady' are we ageist on MN? Not all over the face!

Yy I find powder helps set my make up and give me more coverage. I'm 26, certainly not an old lady!

I have the powder settling nicely into the wrinkles issue too. I go around with a nice shiny nose instead.

I do:

Cleanse
Serum
Moisturiser
Primer
Foundation
Concealer
Powder

Concealer before foundation makes no sense.

Cleansing balm
Sometimes a clay mask
Exfoliant toner
Spray toner
Serum
Eye Cream
Mosituriser
Sunscreen
Primer or beauty flash barm
Foundation
Concealer
Powder
Eyes
Lips
Cheeks